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A group of six brothers from the Archdiocese of Tuam in Ireland, who requested permission from the bishop of the Pittsburgh diocese, to bring their dream, rooted in Saint Francis of Assisi's vision, to fruition in the Americas. Arriving in this country in 1847, they were eventually to establish a house of their order "near the town of Loretto," thereby fulfilling the dream of Demetrius Gallitzin, recorded in a letter to Archbishop Marechal almost twenty-five years earlier, that "...a college, seminary, and all that is required for an episcopal establishment' one day be built on the land where Saint Francis University now stands.

A Humble and Generous Attitude toward Learning; Reverence for All Life and for the Goodness of All Humanity; Respect for the Uniqueness of Individual Persons; A Global Vision; Service to the Poor and the Needy; A Community of Faith and Prayer; A Spirit of Simplicity and Joy; Franciscan Presence

The vision embraced by the community of learners that became Saint Francis College originated over 800 years ago in the person and the dream of the Poverello, Francis of Assisi, who delighted in calling himself the Troubadour, the story teller, of the Great King.

As children of God, we are brothers and sisters to each other, to all humanity, and to all God's creatures. We care for the earth which is our home and work to protect and preserve it for future generations.

The ICFL is open to anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic Franciscan tradition and how to live out those values in today's world. Whether you're a Secular Franciscan looking for formation opportunities; a faculty or staff member at a Catholic school desiring to learn more about your spiritual heritage; or simply seeking a way to enrich your spiritual life, you will find something here to interest you.